Readers love to be kept on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out what will happen next. Suspense is a great way to do this, as it increases the tension and keeps readers engaged. But what is suspense in literature and how can you weave that thrilling tension into your own stories? In this article, we'll explore some tips and examples of suspense in literature to help you create a captivating story. Suspense can be created by letting the audience know things that the characters don't know. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates suspense by letting the audience know that Juliet faked her death, while Romeo remains unaware.
This creates a sense of mystery and anticipation as the audience waits to see how Romeo will react when he finds out. The scene in which he finds her in the grave and plans to commit suicide is full of suspense. This type of suspense is known as horrible suspense, as it is less vague and more expected than mysterious suspense. Flashbacks are another great way to increase suspense.
Whether it's an isolated flashback showing something shocking or a series of flashbacks preparing for the final revelation, they can help build tension and keep readers engaged. Short-term tension fragments are also effective for creating suspense. These are usually resolved quickly, helping to attract readers page by page and, at the same time, to balance the slow narrative suspense. Putting the main character in some kind of danger is a sure way to keep the reader in a state of agitation and suspense until the danger has passed.
This type of suspense is known as narrative suspense, as it builds up throughout the story. Romantic or comedic suspense can also occur when the reader doesn't know what's going to happen, although this tension is usually lighter than other forms of suspense. Use these tips and writing examples for inspiration and create a suspenseful story that will make your readers die for more. With these tips, you'll be able to craft an engaging story that will keep your readers hooked until the very end.
